“Research is a journey of discovery, with the ultimate destination being a place where we can save sight. Along the way, we can learn a great deal that can yield great benefit”. So said Rob Cummins, Research and Policy Manager at the Macular Disease Foundation. Well said.
In Australia and around the world, we are fortunate to have dedicated scientists who spend their time focussed on hypothesising, testing and trying to disprove theorems for new treatments and cures that could potentially improve our lives. In this issue of mivision, Dr. Laura Downie reviews some of the most important scientific findings from the past 12 months of research that may well serve as a foundation for the development of novel management strategies for ocular disease.
One of the most pressing of those ocular diseases – that affects over one million people in Australia – is macular degeneration. In the lead up to Macular Degeneration Week (at the end of May), we look at research into treatments using stem cells, gene therapies, and laser treatment as well as providing the latest information on intravitreal injection regimens using Lucentis and Eylea. We also reveal research findings recently presented by Professor Neil Bressler from the Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States. He believes these findings could change the way some ophthalmologists approach MD treatment going forward.
Speaking of changing ways, new technology used to support the management of eye care in remote areas of Western Australia may influence the way other States of Australia manage their own remote eye health programs. Outback Vision has adopted tele-health, an online health portal to connect patients and optometrists in remote locations with ophthalmologists in the city – the result is greater and faster access to specialist consultations so that eye conditions can be treated and managed earlier.
Technology is constantly influencing our lives – whether we work in remote Australia, a region or a city. So in this issue we continue our special feature on equipment by providing you with a run-down on the latest eye care technology available to help build your practice efficiency and enhance the level of eye
care you can offer your patients.
Our marketing feature also has a focus on technology. Faced with the rise and rise of digital communications – and the fact that digital marketing campaigns are often lost in the constant stream of tweets, pokes, emails and posts, we pose the question – would you get more marketing bang by mixing good old fashioned snail mail into your marketing plans?
As well in this issue we review the Australian Vision Conference and take a look at what the Southern Regional Congress has in store for the profession this June. In our popular Last Word we thought it was high time we confronted workplace bullies and encourage both victims and bystanders to just say ‘No’. We also reveal the latest trends from MIDO, profile Cocoon fit-overs and explore the possibilities that exist to expand your practice further by stocking eye care accessories.
Mark Cushway,
Editor
Contents:
 |
|
 |
mistory: AMD: the Quest for the Holy Grail Scientists know that age, diet and smoking influence a person’s risk of developing macular degeneration (MD). Read more… |
 |
mifeature: A Vision for the Outback: In the vast State of Western Australia, which spans more than 2,500,000 square kilometres, much of it barely populated, delivering health services is nothing short of a mission.Read more… |
 |
mioptometry: All the latest optometry reports from May 2013. Read more… |
 |
miview: Why we do the things we do? Motivation… is why we get up and go to work… then get back up the next day… and the next… and do it all again. Read more… |
 |
mieyecare (2 CPD Points): (CPD) The Latest in Vision Research: An improved understanding of the normal development and function of the eye is being achieved through continued knowledge expansion and technological advancements. Read more… |
 |
miophthalmology: New research on treatment outcomes for wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) may alter the direction that ophthalmologists choose to take when managing patients. Read more… |
 |
mifashion: The Business of Designing Fit-overs: It’s fair to say there’s greater awareness today than ever before, of the need to protect the eyes from damaging UV rays. Read more… |
 |
mifashion: The Complete Eyewear Experience: Everybody knows that today eyewear is about much more than eye protection and vision correction. Read more… |
 |
mifashionnews: All the latest Fashion from May 2013. Read more… |
 |
mibusiness: Old School Approach to Cut Though the Noise:Ok, so most of us are online and social media savvy. Chances are that by now, if you run a business, you have a content rich website and promote your brand through social media. Read more… |
 |
miequipment: Click here to view a list of the new equipment you must have for May 2013. Read more… |
 |
miproducts: All the latest products from May 2013. Read more… |
 |
mievent: The optical conference season commenced in style with Australian Vision Conference (AVC) on the Gold Coast. Read more… |
 |
midiary: Look at all the upcoming dates with mivision diary. Read more… |
 |
miclassified: Positions vacant? Looking for a new practice? buying equipment? Read more… |
 |
milastword: Say ‘No’ to Bullies Our schools are doing a great job with anti-bullying campaigns – our children are taught that verbal, physical and cyber bullying is not OK. Read more… |
